Analysis of work characteristics based on work probe system

This paper describes two experiments in two warehouses, performance evaluation of a work element estimation method, and a cloud server for analysis of work characteristics. This paper measures seven employees in an apparel warehouse and a warehouse that stocks pet health products. Results of performance evaluation show that the average error of the work element estimation is about 3%. Next, the cloud server is implemented. A user can download an Excel file that visualizes analysis results. The file shows productivities related to pick of goods, walks, and finds of goods or location. Using the file, operations managers can intuitively understand productivity problem. Because the file also helps the managers in coming up with appropriate strategy, which may involve developing new competitive advantages or optimizing existing ones, the cloud server is useful in practice.